Burgess takes on a watching brief
NEW Female Age Grade Lead Coach Liza Burgess is looking forward to seeing the development of young Welsh talent over next two weekends.
Following a period of regional training since the New Year, regional U18 women’s sides will compete against each other ahead of selection for the Wales Under-18 squad, led by Burgess as head coach.
The five regional sides will play each other in 20-minute matches this Sunday at Merthyr RFC (114.30) and at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, February 20.
Burgess said, “I’ve watched training at all the regions over the past month and it’s been amazing to see the talent on show.
“The players – and management – have been so committed in their twice weekly training sessions and the girls have had a real taste of a high performance environment.
“They have not only benefitted from quality coaching but have developed their strength and fitness, learned about nutrition, analysis and other aspects of the game at this level.
“We wanted to put a competitive programme together to come together to play each other a number of times and step up another gear in a match situation.
“I can’t wait to watch them before the difficult task of selecting a Wales U18 squad.”
Wales prop Cerys Hale, who is Dragons U18 forwards coach said, “I’m thoroughly enjoying coaching these girls. Having an impact on the next generation of players is something I’m passionate about.
“I asked the girls recently what they want to do in the future and one of them said they want to play rugby professionally which is so good to hear following the announcement of our senior player contracts.
“Our main focus for these rounds of games is to help our players to keep improving with every experience.
“I can’t wait to see how they progress.”
Bristol Bears full-back Kayleigh Powell and Gloucester-Hartpury second row forward Sisilia Tuipulotu are the latest to sign Wales Women retainer contracts and join the performance programme.
Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham said, “Both players are very exciting prospects and it was great to get to know them better in our recent camp.
“We were very keen to get them into our environment as we feel they have huge potential.
“Sisilia is so young but the impact she could make over the coming years is massive. Now that she is able to train with us weekly, we feel her potential to develop physically and technically is off the scale.
“We were keen to chart Kayleigh’s progress since returning from injury and it was great to see her in our camp last week. She’s got a good kicking game and distribution skills and gives us balance within our back three .”